A Computerised Storage and Retrieval System for the Communication of Geotechnical Data

Abstract

A computer based storage and retrieval system has been developed to collate the large amount of geological and geotechnical information derived from civil engineering activities. This will greatly enhance the information available to the civil engineer at the pre-site investigation stage. Existing storage and retrieval systems are reviewed and none of the available systems was suitable for this application. A set of data preparation sheets based on the standard 80 column computer card have been developed to facilitate the transference of borehole information into eleven data storage files. Each contains different categories of information and is designed to allow for immediate correlation between files. The collation and transference of data onto these sheets was hindered by various deficiencies in the records. The classifications for lithological description currently in use have been employed but a new terminology has been set up to describe coarse grained sediments. Data were obtained for a redevelopment area of some 15 sq. km. to the northeast of the Birmingham City Centre. The area yielded a high density of data with some 520 boreholes penetrating a variety of glacial, interglacial and postglacial deposits overlying Triassic mudstones and sandstones, providing a broad range of geotechnical properties. To meet the wide variety of user requirements, basic routines were developed in Fortran IV to retrieve and present data: factual data in the form of tabulations and plans and interpreted data as two dimensional maps and sections, and three dimensional projections. Two computer programs have been used to produce maps indicating the drift lithology distributions and bedrock topography. The reliability of these contour maps and their dependence upon the distribution of data points is discussed. Although the data distribution is poor, the validity of the techniques employed is shown to be equally as viable as a manually produced map of the same type. The viability and commercial value of the system are discussed and suggestions made for its extension.